As November gives way to December, it’s time to cozy up with a cup of coffee (or a fresh furnace filter) and take stock of this year’s progress. Welcome back to the JB Warranties Round-Up — grab a mug and let’s unwrap the season’s latest updates! While the holiday season is settling in, the plumbing and HVAC world isn’t slowing down… it’s heating up as we head toward the New Year. 

Piping options are like wrenches: plenty will get the job done, but every experienced plumber has their favorite for a reason. When comparing copper vs. PVC vs. PEX tubing, the debate often comes down to key factors like ease of installation, life expectancy, and cost. Each material has distinct strengths, making the choice highly dependent on your project’s needs. 

It's easy to build your company culture when all of your employees work, day after day, under the same roof. However, for HVAC and plumbing contractors, many of your team members are likely spending their time on work orders out in the field, not catching up in-office. Of course, with the 2020 pandemic, all of your team may have been remote at one point or another.

With Halloween and all its spooky thrills officially behind us, we’re stepping into November with plenty to be thankful for. From winterizing pipes to tuning up heating systems, October kept HVAC and plumbing pros busy — and November promises to do the same. But before the cold (and the cold weather calls) officially settle in, let’s take a look back at what kept the trades sizzling.

Unruly tree roots, decades-old corrosion, continuous freeze-thaw cycles — you name it, and various culprits can cause irreparable damage to exterior pipes, including key sewer and water supply lines. Now, imagine having to tell a homeowner that you’ll need to dig a 5-foot-wide trench to replace the pipes… and they may need to backfill, reseed, and resod the entire area once you’re done.

Navigating the complexities of the plumbing and HVAC industry requires far more than just technical expertise — it demands strategic business skills. As a contractor and business owner, you likely find yourself juggling a variety of roles, from managing a team of technicians to ensuring customer satisfaction in the field, all while maintaining the day-to-day demands of the job. In today’s competitive market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the business side of things alone.

Whether you’re just starting your plumbing career as an apprentice or you’re already a licensed master plumber, there are various plumbing certifications that go beyond the general education you’ve received. These certifications allow you to specialize in niche areas of the trade, meet evolving customer demands, and remain competitive in the ever-changing marketplace.

Cladosporium, penicillium, stachybotrys chartarum — no matter what you call it, household mold is a serious problem. In U.S. residential buildings alone, the population-weighted average prevalence of mold is a shocking 47%. For contractors who want to ensure their customers’ safety and comfort, understanding HVAC mold identification, remediation, and prevention is absolutely critical. 

September signals the start of fall, bringing cooler temperatures — and the first signs of seasonal changes — nationwide. While many enjoy the crisp air and fall activities, HVAC and plumbing professionals are busy gearing up for the flurry of winterization calls on the horizon. But beyond preparing for the colder months ahead, what else is new in the trades?